Hill AFB Fire Department "Young cancer patient fulfills a dream as ‘Airman for a Day’"

Young cancer patient fulfils a dream as ‘Airman for a Day’

Michelle McConnell hoses a fire out with the guidance of Captain John Rice and Captain Daniel Payne, 775th Civil Engineering Squadron Firefighters, April 22, 2019 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Michelle was granted her wish to be Airman of the day by Make-A-Wish Utah and 75th Air Base Wing at Hill. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Cynthia Griggs)

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT, UNITED STATES
04.30.2019
Courtesy Story
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs 
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By Jennifer Eaton
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Teenage warrior Michelle McConnell has battled bone cancer and amputation with a strength and tenacity that left no doubt among her family or the U.S. Air Force that she was tough enough to become a combat-trained “Airman for a Day.”

When the 15-year-old made the formal request through Make-A-Wish Utah, Hill Air Force Base enthusiastically mobilized to turn the dream into reality, providing Michelle and her family an unforgettable afternoon of military training, leadership and excitement.

Michelle said her desire stemmed from participating in a prior “Pilot for A Day” program on base, as well as from her admiration for those who wear the uniform.

“The Air Force is really cool and I think it’s awesome the way the military works together to protect everyone in our country,” she explained. “I was shocked and amazingly excited when I found out that my Air Force wish was going to be granted.”

The day’s itinerary began when Michelle’s limousine arrived at 75th Air Base Wing Headquarters where she was issued a personalized camouflage Air Battle Uniform and enjoyed pizza, root beer, birthday cake and gifts with her family and senior Air Force leaders.

After lunch, Michelle visited Hill AFB’s Fire Station 4 where she met firefighters, toured the facility, and received training on how to respond to structural fires. Michelle was fitted with a protective suit, gloves, and helmet before traveling by firetruck, sirens-blaring, to help douse the flames of a controlled training blaze.

“We were beyond honored when we found out Michelle wanted to spend some time with us,” said Tiana Bykowski, Hill AFB Fire Department public information and education officer. “When she arrived, she seemed quiet and shy. By the end of our time with her, she was laughing and joking just like one of us, and she stepped up and fought the structural fire as if she had been doing it for years.”

Next on the agenda, Michelle visited the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team where she learned about the critical role EOD technicians play in keeping warfighters safe at home and abroad. She and her family traveled by Humvee caravan to the unit’s proficiency range where Michelle impressed spectators with her skills in operating one of the robots used in high-tech ordnance disposal. Michelle also had the opportunity to use her command voice to issue safety instructions and initiate two controlled detonations.

Michelle’s afternoon also included a visit to the 75th Security Forces Squadron, where she was invited to ride along in a patrol car during a routine traffic stop. At each location, Michelle earned a coveted unit coin for her courage and determination. During the last stop of the day, Team Hill’s Honor Guard conducted a flag-folding ceremony and presented Michelle a flag flown in her honor over the state capitol building. She also received her final coin of the day from Col. Jon Eberlan, 75th Air Base Wing commander.

Michelle’s mother Andrea McConnell said her daughter feels a strong connection to the military and first responders because she understands “what they must feel in terms of working to save lives.”
Andrea said she was overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support from the different agencies on base.

“It makes your heart sing to watch your child take in every single moment of an experience like this,” she said. “There are no words to explain how courageous she is and we pray she can take this strength and help others to dig deep.”

Make-A-Wish Utah wish coordinator Christina Wright also expressed her gratitude, explaining that research shows children who have wishes granted build the emotional and physical strength necessary to fight critical illnesses.

“Michelle has been looking forward to her wish for a very long time, and seeing the community come together for a local child has been inspiring,” Wright said. “Hill Air Force Base took Michelle’s idea and created a magical day that is going to give her the grit to keep fighting. For that, Make-A-Wish Utah is forever grateful.”

Captain John Rice, 775th Civil Engineering Squadron Firefighter, and Tiana Bykowski, 775th CES public information officer, help Michelle McConnell with her fire protection gear April 22, 2019 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Michelle was granted her wish to be Airman of the day by Make-A-Wish Utah and 75th Air Base Wing at Hill. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Cynthia Griggs)

Captain Daniel Payne, 775th Civil Engineering Squadron Firefighter, demonstrates how to communicate with him to Michelle McConnell and her mother, Andrea McConnell, before taking a ride up in the firetruck bucket April 22, 2019 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Michelle was granted her wish to be Airman of the day by Make-A-Wish Utah and 75th Air Base Wing at Hill. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Cynthia Griggs)

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CA, UNITED STATES

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CA, UNITED STATES
04.30.2019
Photo by Senior Airman Tristan Viglianco
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs 

Firefighters from the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron put away a firehose during an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. When inspecting the hose the fire fighters look for leaks, bulges, and other damage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

The 9th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department performs an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The Airmen are required to check and certify a variety of equipment every year to ensure it is ready in case of emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

Airman 1st Class Duronte Davis, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron fire fighter, puts away a firehose during an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. When inspecting the hose the fire fighters look for leaks, bulges, and other damage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

Senior Airman Jonathan Hayden, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, rolls up a firehose during an annual firehose certification April 30, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. The Airmen are required to check and certify a variety of equipment every year to ensure it is ready in case of emergency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco)

“Our ultimate goal is that our workers, leaders and partners have a high level of trust in their training and in one another to provide the best cumulative response possible,” the commander concluded.

Garrison environmental, firefighters conduct HAZMAT training

Photo By Mary Davis | Defense Logistics Agency personnel apply absorbent rolls to a simulated hazardous material spill during a training scenario conducted by U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz environmental engineers and firefighters at Germersheim Army Depot, May 3. The hands-on exercise-trained DLA workers on the proper procedures to contain, absorb and appropriately dispose of liquid HAZMAT. (U.S. Army photo by Melissa Malakos) 

GERMERSHEIM, RP, GERMANY

05.03.2019

Story by Mary Davis 

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz  

GERMERSHEIM ARMY DEPOT, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz environmental engineers and firefighters conducted hazardous material spill training with Defense Logistics Agency personnel to hone response procedures and strengthen the installation/tenant partnership here, May 3.

Garrison members served as technical advisers during the training scenario that tested the tenant unit’s ability to control, divert and contain HAZMAT spills to ensure they were capable of mitigating these types of environmental emergencies.

Melissa Malakos, USAG RP Directorate of Public Works Environmental Engineer, emphasized how the recent exercise gave responders the opportunity to practice and critique their own performance.

“The training was very much hands on, using spill response supplies and making the required notification calls for assistance,” she said. She further explained that the DPW Environmental Management Division tends to do this type of on-site training in two parts.

“First, we play out the spill scenario with little instruction – as if it were to happen without notice during the normal work day. This allows the unit’s environmental officers and safety managers to identify areas for improvement in the training they provide their unit members,” she explained. “Afterward, we talk through what happened during the response, discuss what could be corrected and then repeat the same spill event to watch the improvements.”

This training is important to ensure personnel know how to respond during an actual spill scenario, where emergency supplies are and how they are used and to validate leader roles, said Lt. Col. Jonathan Ackiss, DLA Distribution Europe commander.

“I trust our workers have a solid base of classroom training and by combining this with hands-on training, we'll achieve a holistic training effect,” the commander said. “A critical component of this training and our HAZMAT awareness is the role of the GAD Fire Department and garrison environmental team. By working as partners, we can reduce the impact to the community and environment – you only achieve this by conducting training.”

In real-world situations, garrison firefighters stand ready to respond to HAZMAT incidents within five minutes to employ all necessary countermeasures if a major spill cannot be handled by a tenant unit’s initial responders at the scene.

“There are several measures in place to assist GAD Fire Department with HAZMAT spill containment,” said Germersheim Army Depot Assistant Fire Chief Michael Hill. “If a spill occurs, barriers are installed in facilities to prevent run off and absorbent materials are applied to contain spilled matter. There are also a variety of tools and equipment to block or shut off sewer lines. Additionally, there are sewer storage reservoirs installed to control the flow of spilled material.”

Malakos said the more responses and procedures that are practiced, the more likely a real situation will be handled well. 

“This training was a benefit to all involved. It emphasized the response of those who were truly first on the scene at the spill site,” she said. “The only way first responders can really get familiar with the emergency supplies and how they work is by using them. These types of hands-on sessions allow practice without real-world consequences.”

Keeping the environment safe is a high priority, Ackiss said.

“Our ultimate goal is that our workers, leaders and partners have a high level of trust in their training and in one another to provide the best cumulative response possible,” the commander concluded.

Thomas Heck, a contractor with U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, spills simulated hazardous liquid during a training scenario at Germersheim Army Depot, May 3. USAG RP environmental engineers and firefighters conducted HAZMAT spill training for a tenant unit and served as technical advisers to initial responders during the containment and cleanup of simulated hazardous liquid. (U.S. Army photo by Johannes Haid)

Thomas Zuffelato, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Lieutenant “I try to work with them and pass on as much experience as I can and let them know why they’re here,” said Zuffelato. “To get ready to go out the door and deploy whether it’s in the state of Massachusetts or overseas or in the Middle East or Africa or wherever we’re needed.”

Firefighter of 27 years focuses on safety, mentors Airmen

Photo By Airman 1st Class Randall Burlingame | Fire Lt. Thomas Zuffelato, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron firefighter, poses for a photo May 2, 2019, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Zuffelato is also a firefighter in the Connecticut Air National Guard at the 103rd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Randy Burlingame)

WESTFIELD, MA, UNITED STATES
05.02.2019
Story by Airman Sara Kolinski
104th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs

Thomas Zuffelato, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron Fire Lieutenant, began his firefighting career in 1992 when he switched from the active duty Air Force to the Nebraska Air National Guard.

Zuffelato started working here in September 2006 after moving back to Massachusetts from Nebraska, and is also a Master Sgt. in the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing Fire Department.

Zuffelato said during his career he thankfully never had anything crazy happen or anyone get severely hurt, but making sure the people he works with remain safe is an important part of the job.

“State side, working here, the hardest part for me is making sure everyone goes home safe in the morning or the next day after we get off duty,” said Zuffelato.

Having been a firefighter for 27 years, Zuffelato’s career is now focused on mentoring new firefighters and being ready to step in if he is needed.

“I try to work with them and pass on as much experience as I can and let them know why they’re here,” said Zuffelato. “To get ready to go out the door and deploy whether it’s in the state of Massachusetts or overseas or in the Middle East or Africa or wherever we’re needed.”

Zuffelato said that it is important for new Airmen at the fire department to know the basics of firefighting well, and he tries to pass on his experience to Airmen that are at the department for six months as part of their Mission Essential Skills Training.

“You have to be ready,” said Zuffelato. “You have to train and be mentally and physically prepared.”

Video: DOVER, DE, 436th CES Live Fire Training

DOVER, DE, UNITED STATES
04.26.2019
Photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

436th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters extinguish flames in a controlled exercise at the structural burn training facility April 26, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The U.S. Air Force requires firefighters to participate in the training at least once a year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)

Staff Sgt. Justin Tarr, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron crew chief, prepares for an indoor simulated-fire scenario April 26, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th CES firefighters conduct frequent training scenarios that include battling interior and exterior fires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)

Dover firefighters conduct training by putting out fires produced from a propane source. (U.S. Air Force video by A1C Jonathan Harding)

Senior Airman Daniel Kolk, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron driver operator, extinguishes flames in a controlled exercise at the structural burn training facility April 26, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The firefighters train in a controlled environment while being monitored by other Dover firefighting professionals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)

Airman Jarrett Zeigler, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron driver operator, prepares for an indoor simulated fire scenario April 26, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th CES firefighters conduct frequent training for scenarios that include battling interior and exterior fires. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)